TENNIS: Quadri retains title, Polina wins Women’s Singles

AgegePulse Magazine

Men’s singles top seed, Aruna Quadri retained his title, defeating Austria’s Robert Gardos in the final of the Interhational Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Challenge Plus - Nigeria Open which was concluded recently.

Quadri’s triumph capped another remarkable tournament of excitement for table tennis in Lagos and Nigeria, an event that has become a reference of the development of the sport in Africa.

Ranked number 22 in the world, Quadri was in peak form as he defeated world number 64 in a thrilling six games 15-13, 11-3, 8-11, 11-6, 10-12, 11-1 much to the delight of partisan home supporters at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Having won the tournament in 2018, Quadri successfully defended the title to equal the record solely held by Egyptian Omar Assar who won back-to-back Nigeria Open titles in 2014 and 2015.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, who also doubles as the tournament director, said the ITTF Challenge Plus Nigeria Open was the third tournament held in Lagos in as many days and the State benefited so much from hosting the championships.

In his words, “For us in Lagos State, it’s been 11 days of exciting Table tennis and the benefits are there for us to see. The exposure for our own athletes because we have 20 players from Lagos that registered to play from the qualifiers.

The economic benefits are not in doubt at all; you can see how much business has been going around, not just around the stadium alone but the hotels, transport agencies and so on”.

"Again the capacity building this tournament has built for us, our staff at the Lagos State Sports commission organising the international event will definitely help to develop them. Every year, we hope to keep improving in the various areas of organising events and this experience has added so much more to us in that regard", Tandoh said.

On his part, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Barrister Wahid Enitan Oshodi, diaclosed that the record entries of players from 28 countries has made the Nigeria Open one of the top events on the International Table Tennis Federation calendar.

The former Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development in the State commended the support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in ensuring that Lagos staged another successful event.

He said: “Lagos is where the heart of Nigeria sports and the State is doing so much supporting sports events, be it the marathon, the international classics across different sports, supporting the federations, the association, developing and promoting local sports. Hosting international tournaments like this, is how to build the tourism base and improve the economy of the State”.

Others winners in the just concluded challenge include Nuytinck Cedric and Robinot Quentin who defeated Nigeria’s duo of Toriola Segun and Omotayo Olajide in a straight 3-0 to win the men’s doubles event while Polina and Yana won the Women’s doubles event after beating Croatia duo of Jazbec Ida and Malobabic Ivana.

The African Club Championship and the Africa Cup qualifiers for the ITTF World Cup are the other events held in Lagos recently.

3 die in Lagos boat mishap, 2 missing

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Waterways Authority says three people have been confirmed dead while two others are still missing in a boat accident that occurred at Irewe community in Ojo, near Lagos late on Tuesday.

The General Manager of LASWA, Mr Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, who made the disclosure in a statement, said that 13 people were rescued in the incident.


“At about 6:10 p.m, Aug. 13, two passenger speed boats had a head-on collision along the creek in Ojo local Govt Area of Lagos State.

“There were 10 passengers in a boat coming from Ojo jetty and eight passengers in another coming from Irewe community when the incident occurred.


“Eighteen passengers in total were involved with 13 rescued alive with three fatalities and two still missing–an adult and a child.

“Search and rescue operation is ongoing by relevant state agencies and the local community who were the first responders.

“Preliminary investigations by LASWA and LASEMA revealed that the incident was caused, due to reckless driving and over-speeding on the part of boat captains as one of them wasn’t in his right of way.”

The LASWA boss said that further investigations would be carried out by the authority and that those found wanting would be sanctioned accordingly.

He advised waterways users to always adhere to safety rules and regulations to avert untoward incidents. (NAN)

Tricyclist killed over right of way in Lagos

 AgegePulse Magazine

The police in Lagos say a tricycle operator, Aniete Bassey, has allegedly been killed by a motorist over right of way in Surulere area of the state. Spokesman for the police in the state DSP Bala Elkana confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, saying that it happened on Sunday along Akerele Street, off Falolu, Surulere.


Elkana said at about 9.130pm on Sunday, Surulere police station received a distress call from Randle Hospital Surulere that a tricycle operator was brought there with a broken head, in a  pool of blood but died on arrival.


He said information gathered by homicide detectives revealed that the deceased had a misunderstanding with a man in a jeep on a major road along Akerele Street, Surulere.

According to Elkana, during the scuffle, the driver of the Jeep brought out a wheel spanner and hit the deceased person twice on the head. He said that after a thorough examination of available traces, the Jeep driver was identified as Christian Innocent, 39 years old. “He was arrested by a team of detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer Surulere, CSP Jimoh Jabaje on Aug. 22.

He confessed to have engaged the deceased person in a fight over right of way. (NAN) “He confessed that there was a vulgar abuse between him and the tricyclist over who among them had the right of way as they both accused each other of rough driving.

 “There was no crash between the Jeep and the Tricycle. Suspect will be charged to court,” he said.

DailyTrust

Taraba killings latest: Army Captain had 191 phone chats with wanted kidnapper

AgegePulse Magazine

The Nigerian Army Captain who allegedly ordered soldiers on security check-point along the Ibi-Jalingo Expressway in Taraba State, to attack and kill police operatives attached to the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team, IRT, has been identified.

Vanguard gathered, yesterday, that police investigation carried out so far has revealed that telephone conversations between the kidnap kingpin, Wadume and the Captain , were about 191 within the space of one month between July 9, 2019 and August 6, 2019. The source explained that the police authorities believed that the army captain might have been providing cover for the kidnapper, who is said to have received hundreds of millions as ransom from his victims.

Army Captain Taraba

Vanguard gathered that the Army Captain , who is currently undergoing interrogation at the Defence Headquarters Abuja, was arrested alongside five other Army personnel, who were alleged to have taken part in the horrific killing of the three policemen and their two civilian agents in an operation to arrest a notorious kidnapper, Alhaji Hamisu Balla, alias Wudume, in Ibi area of Taraba State.

Vanguard learned yesterday that the arrested solders confessed that they received orders to attack the policemen from the captain, whom they said informed them that Wadume had been kidnapped and was being transported in a silver-coloured Toyota Hiace Bus.

A source at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, told Vanguard that the soldiers claimed that they acted squarely on the orders of the captain, being their superior officer, but Police sources at Force Headquarters Abuja, disclosed that the police authorities have established strong links between the army captain and the notorious kidnapper, alleging that the army captain was on the kidnapper’s payroll.

The source added further that its investigations have also revealed that the army captain, who was not present in Ibi Town at the time the IRT operatives arrested Wadume, might  have ordered his men to attack and kill the IRT operatives as well as rescue his friend, the kidnapper.

Petition against Wadume received

Meanwhile, Vanguard also gathered, yesterday, that the IRT’s manhunt to arrest and bring down Wadume’s kidnapping empire began in March 2019, when it received a petition from one Sheriff Umar of Kirikinua South Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

It was gathered further that the petitioner reported that his cousin, Usman Mayo was kidnapped on the 15th of February, 2019 at Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State and his kidnapper demanded the sum of N200 million as ransom for his release.

The source explained that the family of the kidnapped victim   negotiated and paid the sum of N85 million first, on March 11, 2019, but the abductee was not released. He said they paid an additional N15 million, on  March 16, 2019, making a total sum paid to the kidnappers N100 million and the kidnappers refused to release their victim   insisting that that the family must pay the N200million they demanded.

The source explained that the family reported to the police and the IRT was drafted to investigate and track down the suspects behind the kidnapping and rescue the victim. It was learned that while investigations into the matter commenced, members of the kidnapped victim’s family paid an additional N20m to the kidnappers and the victim was released,   but the police discovered during investigations that Wadume had strong links to the kidnappers, who got N120 million as ransom from their victim.

I sold 6 AK-47 rifles to Wadume — Ajomo

The police source, further disclosed that it investigations also revealed that Wadume, had bought several AK-47 rifles from a notorious trans-border arms dealer, Ojomo Adebowale Gbenga, who was arrested in May 2019, by operatives of the IRT for supplying heavy arms and ammunition to kidnappers and armed robbers.

45-year-old Ojomo, said to be a major arms dealer in the South-Western part of the country, made startling revelations about the fleeing Wadume during an interview.

Ojomo, who was earlier in the year paraded by police authorities over his criminal activities and later detained in Lagos, told Vanguard that he met Alhaji Wadume four years ago in Benue State and had been selling arms to him under the guise of using them to fight terrorist Fulanis.

Speaking with Vanguard, Ojomo said that he got to know Wadume through his business partner, Moses in Benue State, and he told him that he needed rifles to fight herdsmen who were killing farmers in his community. The gun runner explained that he got all the rifles, which he sold to Wadume and his friends from Burkina Faso, Mali and Libya and he said he sold the arms to them because they told him that they were having community clashes.

He further disclosed: “I started selling fire arms since 1993 after my secondary school. I worked with a company that deals on licensed arms in 1993 and I left in 1996 and went to school but, I linked up with arms dealers in Ibadan, which is the headquarters of arms dealing in the south western part of the country. I started selling automatic firearms which is prohibited, then one of my friends who is now late, Moses led me to the north. He took me to Benue State and I sold arms to several people, including Alhaji Hamisu (Wadume). He came to me through Moses’ contacts and they identified him as a don. You know arms dealing is a cartel business. I knew very little about him and I sold eight rifles to him in 2015 and in January 2019, he called again and told me that he needed 10 rifles, but I had only six and because he was in hurry, I sold them to him at N800,000 each, and the bullets for N350,000 per can. But after my arrest, I gave information about him to the police. It was while in detention I heard he has been arrested.

Police inspector arrested, recants

Also, a Police Inspector who was accused of informing the Army that operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team that visited Ibi community in Taraba state, last week to effect the arrest of the suspected kidnap kingpin did not report to Police authorities, has been arrested.

Preliminary investigation, as reliably gathered, revealed that the policeman was cajoled to say so in order to cement evidences by troops of the 93 Battalion that the operatives were not only kidnappers but were there on an illegal duty.

It was also learned that one of the villagers who allegedly collected the firearms from the dead policemen revealed during interrogation that the weapons belonging to the slain police officers were collected from him by some soldiers.

Vanguard learned that the Police inspector attached to Ibi Police Station confirmed that the operatives visited the station to inform the senior officer there that they had concluded their operations and were leaving with the arrested suspect.

Unconfirmed reports said the policeman was given an undisclosed amount of money to maintain his stand that he told the troops that the policemen did not report at the station.

However, sources said the Inspector denied during interrogation at Force Headquarters, Abuja, that he did not collect any money from the Army.

It was further learned that about three villagers collected the firearms that were flung in different places into the bush after the police team was shot, when their vehicle somersaulted. One of them was said to have taken the arms to his home from where it was collected by the soldiers.

A villager who spoke on the condition of anonymity revealed that the suspected kidnap kingpin who is still on the run, is a popular person in Ibi community.

He was said to have contested for the House of Assembly, Ibi constituency in the last election, under the Young Democratic Party, but lost.

The 35-year-old man, said to be a petty trader, was revered in the community, due to his philanthropic nature.

He was said to have bought motorcycles for some youths, some of who thronged the scene where the operatives were killed, jubilating that their benefactor’s enemies had been overpowered.

At the moment, villagers in Ibi community are said to be keeping sealed lips on what transpired during the arrest of the suspected kidnapper, last week, for fear of being attacked by loyalists to the suspect.

Some of those close to the kidnap suspects have taken to their heels, apparently to avoid being arrested over his whereabouts.

Widow to address press today

Meanwhile, widow of the slain Inspector Mark Ediale, who is yet to come to terms with the rude shock of her husband’s demise, has left Lagos for the Force headquarters, Abuja, where she was received by senior police officers who condoled her and other widows over the tragic incident.

But her late husband’s family, it was reliably gathered, will be briefing journalists in Abuja today, where some salient questions would be posed to killers of their son.

The family, Vanguard learned, is requesting an explanation on how Inspector Ediale died, when he was seen alive in a video clip that went viral.

Vanguard

How Saheed Osupa & I Parted Ways after 2 kids – His Ex-Wife, Hajia Bisi Bismilai

AgegePulse Magazine

Hajia Bisi Bisimilai is not new on Lagos social scene. This is not just because she was once married to a popular Fuji star Saheed Osupa but because she is a daughter of a popular Oyo billionaire Alhaji Bisimilai. Her father is one of the Oyo prominent businessmen who play big in Oil and Gas Construction.

A few days ago, this popular Gold jeweler opened an 18-carat Gold shop and exclusive Senegalese shop on Opebi Street, Ikeja in Lagos. The event paraded many Lagos big society women of note. City People’s Assistant Society Editor, ABIOLA ORISILE, had an exclusive interview with her where she spoke about how her marriage to Saheed Osupa crashed and how she did everything within her power to make it work among many other related issues.

 *Let us go a little personal, your husband, King Saheed Osupa, a few weeks ago, said that he was not married, adding that he does not have any Bismilai’s as a wife, how do you feel about his utterances?*

It’s quite funny to hear him talk that way. If Saheed said he doesn’t have a wife that means he doesn’t have a wife. He may be saying the truth. We have been separated for over 5 years now.
Everybody has his or her own challenges. Our marriage is blessed with 2 wonderful brilliant kids. If he said that he doesn’t have a wife, I don’t feel bad about it. He is a musician after all. Don’t forget that he may say I am the love of his life tomorrow. I am not affected by it knowing that I have not offended him or done anything wrong.

 *How did he move out, you had a fight?*

No, we didn’t have a fight we enjoyed a very good relationship. He told me he was getting an office at Magodo and he went to have it. He then stopped coming, giving different excuses and I tried my best to know why he stopped coming home, but to no avail. Until he had that interview and said he didn’t have a wife, so I don’t have a husband too.

 *You are humble and sweet, why don’t you look for a way to pacify him?*

I have tried all I could as a dutiful woman. As I am speaking with you, I am still living in his house despite that I have completed my house at Papa Ajao. I have put everything in place since last year but I am living in his house. My kids are with me. I have searched my conscience and believe that I have done nothing to offend him. He always has a series of excuses.

 *You are so English, where did you grow up?*

My father sent us to good schools. I went to Ore Ofe Oluwa Nursery/Pry School, Ibadan and later to FGSS Oyo, I was a boarder with my father providing all we needed. I later went to the Polytechnic Ibadan, where I read Marketing and Communication for my ND & HND. After that, I went to London to live.

 *What has life taught you?*

Life has taught me to lie low when rich. Even Saheed does that. He taught me to be prudent, people who make noise are not rich.

 *How do you rest?*

I am a very homely person when I’ m not attending parties. I love being with my kids because they are my future.

Paramount Ent

Another Nigerian taxi driver Joseph Ajouna, has been killed by gunmen in South Africa.

AgegePulse Magazine

Joseph Ajouna




This comes less than a week when Benjamin Simeon, also a Nigerian taxi driver who hails from Okposi, Ebonyi State was killed in Johannesburg on August 3, 2019.

Explaining the incident, the leader of the Nigerian Citizens Association, Western Cape Province, Mr Charles Eleberi, said the victim who hails from Umuahia Ubeku in Abia state was stabbed several times by passengers he went to pick in Nyanga location, Cape Town, South Africa.

READ ALSO: Another Nigerian Killed In South Africa

Mr Eleberi further stated that the late Ajouna’s car and belongings were stolen and was declared dead by the time he reached the hospital.

In July, the Nyanga police had called on Uber and Bolt (formerly Taxify) drivers to avoid the Browns Farm Crossroads and Nyanga areas as robbers and hijackers targeted the e-hailing service drivers.

However, Nigeria’s High Commissioner, Ambassador Kabir Bala, along with other mission officials have visited his pregnant widow and two children where he promised that the case will be followed up till the perpetrators are brought to book.

ChannelsTv

Shocking as Police reveal identities of officers killed by soldiers in Taraba

AgegePulse Magazine

The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday revealed the identities of its men killed by soldiers in Taraba on Tuesday.

Three policemen and a civilian were shot dead by unidentified soldiers along the Ibi-Jalingo Road, Taraba State, on Saturday, in an incident that the Nigerians Army said was a case of mistaken identities.

The Nigerian Army said the policemen and the civilian were mistaken for kidnappers — a claim that the Nigerian Police Force has rejected.


President Muhammadu Buhari has since constituted a panel of inquiry on the matter.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police has revealed the identities of the shooting death victims.

Punch

Electricity: Senate supports reforms, re-capitalisation of DisCos

AgegePulse Magazine

 The Senate says it wants a robust power sector road map that will include the generation, transmission and distribution segments in a holistic picture on how to resolve power supply challenges.

The Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Usman Gur Mohammed, who disclosed this at a quarterly press conference in Abuja, said that was aimed at further expanding and stabilizing the grid.

A statement by TCN said the Senate also declared its support for the proposal to recapitalise the Distribution Companies (DisCos). It advised that the 40 per cent holding of the Federal Government as stipulated in the Power Privatisation Act 2005 might be more beneficial if it was sold to foreign investors with technical know-how.

DailyTrust

Court Jails Former New Prudential Bank MD, Adetunji Abudu Two Years for N195m Fraud

AgegePulse Magazine

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of Adetunji Abudu, a former Managing Director, New Prudential Mortgage Bank Limited, to two years imprisonment for N195m fraud before Justice I.N. Buba of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The convict was arraigned on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 on a four-count charge of acting in contravention of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act( BOFIA) 2004 to the tune of N195m( One Hundred and Ninety-five Million Naira).

Abudu, while being the Managing Director of the bank, obtained a N35m loan and another N110m loan without authorisation.

The former New Prudent Bank boss also approved the setting off of a N50m loan granted to Total Access Concept Limited by Addoser Micro-finance Bank, which was also not authorised in accordance with the bank’s policy and in contravention of BOFIA 2004.

In another count, the defendant failed to disclose his interest in Total Access and Integrated Concept Limited, an offence contrary to Section 18(8) and punishable under Section 18 (11) of the BOFIA LFN 2004.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him by the prosecution, thereby leading to his full trial.

In the course of the trial that began on April 12, 2016, the lead prosecution counsel, A.B.C. Oziokor, called seven prosecution witnesses and tendered several documents that were admitted in evidence by the court, while the defence presented five witnesses.

Both parties consequently adopted their written addresses, after the closure of the case.

Delivering his judgment on Justice Buba found the defendant guilty on counts one, two, three and four as charged.

The Judge further held that “The court has considered the fact that the convict is a first-time offender, a family man and a breadwinner.

“The court will be lenient, given that the convict is a first offender. But this will also send the right signal that it is this type of attitude that has led our financial institutions into trouble.

“This is a matter the convict should not have allowed to go through the rigours of a criminal trial, having been given the opportunity to refund the money. But he still remained obstinate.”

The Judge, therefore, sentenced the convict to two years on counts one, two, three and four, without an option of fine, with effect from the day of Judgment.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

                                                                                                                                                           The convict was ordered to make restitution to the complainant, in accordance with Section 321(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, “if the properties released cannot meet up the amount of exposure to the complainant.”

LASG SHUTS 52 ILLEGAL, SUBSTANDARD PHARMACIES AND PATENT MEDICINE STORES

AgegePulse Magazine

No fewer than 52 pharmacies, patent medicine shops and unlicensed premises at Isolo, Egbeda, Ikotun, Bariga and Somolu in Oshodi-Isolo, Alimosho and Somolu Local government areas of Lagos were sealed on Tuesday August 7 by the Lagos State Taskforce on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods for offences bordering on illegal operation, operating beyond scope amongst others, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Titilayo Goncalves has said.

Goncalves who disclosed this today when she received the report of the operation by the Task Force explained that the affected pharmacies and patent medicine shops indulged in the practice of operating without license, engaging unqualified persons to man and dispense drugs to unsuspecting citizens, operating beyond scope through sale of ethical products and displaying and storing drugs in unconducive environments which compromise the potency and integrity of the drugs rendering them ineffective.

“Although some of the pharmacies visited were registered, it is disheartening to note that quite a number of them had no qualified pharmacists on duty and displayed expired drugs for sale to the public”, She said.

Goncalves added that some of the premises visited also engaged in illegal clinical practices such as patient admission and setting of intravenous infusions. She noted that such practice is unacceptable and vowed that the State Government will do whatever is necessary to enforce the law and sanction erring operators. 

“ The sealing of the affected pharmacies and patent medicine stores was in accordance with the provisions of Section C34 of the Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Miscellaneous Provision Act of 1999, No. 25”, She said. 

The Permanent Secretary stated that licensed patent medicine vendors are authorized to sell only drug products in their original packs in approved pack size as produced by the manufacturing companies. “The law prohibits dispensing and wholesaling of drugs by patent medicine vendors,” She said. 

While noting that the recent operation of the taskforce was coming on the heels of the war being waged against fake drugs and illegal drug shops, Goncalves warned that the activities of the State Task Force on Fake Drugs would not only be sustained, but intensified until operators in the sector adhere strictly to the provisions of the law on the operation of pharmacies and patent medicine shops, in order to safeguard the health of the citizenry. 

Speaking in the same vein, Director Pharmaceutical Services in the Ministry, Dr. Moyosore Adejumo said that the State Government will not relent in its efforts to stop the inherent dangers associated with the operations from unlicensed pharmaceutical outlets and drug shops.

She added that the Task Force through the Pharmaceutical Inspectorate Unit (PIU) of the Pharmaceutical Services Directorate has been re-energized to intensify the on-going war against fake, expired and substandard drugs being peddled by unlicensed and illegal premises.

“This closure is thus part of the government’s renewed efforts to sanitize the drug distribution system and curb proliferation of fake drugs in the State” Adejumo said.  

She explained that an investigative meeting would be held with owners of the sealed premises to make further inquiries on the status of the sealed premises and to notify them of the procedures and appropriate conditions to be met for reopening in line with government regulations and payment of administrative fee. 

The enforcement and compliance raid by the State Task force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods was carried out in collaboration with the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Federal Taskforce on fake drugs and the Police Officers from Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) of Lagos Police Command.

LAWMA TASKS LAGOSIANS ON PROPER WASTE DISPOSAL AT EID-EL-KABIR

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has called on residents to properly dispose of their domestic wastes during and after the forth-coming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The Assistant Director, Public Affairs of LAWMA, Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, in a statement, disclosed that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure that the celebration was observed in a filth-free environment, as waste evacuators have been mandated to work round the clock to clean up the city.

The statement noted LAWMA’s resolve to stamp out all forms of improper waste disposal in the metropolis, which has resulted in environmental degradation, calling on residents to patronize only their assigned PSP operators.

According to Mrs. Kadiri,toll-free lines had been made available to the public, for swift response to complaints, as well as back-up operations in areas witnessing service gaps.

While speaking on its plan for effective and improved services within its three (3) districts, during the festive period, she said LAWMA would be distributing free trash bags to residents for easy storage of extra waste that would be generated during the period.

Accordingly, the LAWMA spokesperson advised residents to desist from dumping waste indiscriminately on road medians and verges, but to patronize accredited PSP operators in their areas.

She also assured that extra trucks had been deployed to ensure adequate back-up for the PSP operators, urging residents to call the Authority’s toll free lines 07080601020 or 617, to request for prompt attention.

While wishing residents happy celebrations, she appealed to Lagosians to shun acts capable of negatively impactingon the environment, stressing that the task of achieving the desired cleaner and healthier environment was a collective responsibility.

Lagos debunks job vacancy site

Luqmon Balogun, Lagos

The Lagos State government has disclaimed the information circulating on social media of a recruitment exercise for teachers in the State.

The State says the information is false and untrue, advising residents and job seekers to be more cautious in the search of white collar jobs.

The Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Dr. Oluremi Sopeyin said that the crave for job opportunities has led many people into the hands of swindlers, urging members of the public to be mindful of the activities of men of the under world.

“The state government gives priority to increasing the numbers of teachers in the state in order to cater for the teeming population of students across the state,”Dr. Sopeyin explained.

Recruitment Exercise

He mentioned that the State at the appropriate time would inform the public when recruitment exercise would begin.

Dr. Sopeyin said the master minders of the misleading information would be brought to book.

According to Dr. Sopeyin, “The state government has not started recruitment of teachers and the State government will follow due process in announcing its vacancies especially through the state government website and official social media platforms and other credible sources.”

He advised job seekers to be more vigilant in order not to fall prey to persons with ulterior intention who always use job vacancies to swindle unsuspecting members of the public.

The initiators of the message had requested that holders of NCE and BSC. Education to report to the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB headquarters on Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 to fill forms for vacancy positions.

VON

LAGOS POLICE ARRESTS TEKNO FOR CONVEYING HALF CLAD GIRLS IN TRAFFIC

AgegePulse Magazine

For breaching public decency by conveying half naked girls in traffic, the Lagos State Police Command has arrested popular musician, Augustine Kelechi, aka Tekno.

THISDAY gathered that he was arrested on Tuesday and he is undergoing questioning at the state Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba.

Tekno had something last week conveyed half clad girls, who were dancing seductively, in a transparent glass box on a truck around the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.

In the truck, the musician was seen spraying the scantily dressed girls with money as they danced.

Following the public outcry it generated, the state government reacted swiftly and condemned the move.

In his defence, Tekno said he merely used the truck to convey his crew to a location for a shoot, which was not intended to breach public decency.

Confirming the arrest, the state Police Spokesman, Bala Elkana, a deputy superintendent of police, said he was invited for questioning.
He said: “The command has arrested Tekno and the two girls for conveying half naked girls at the Lekki area of Lagos.

“He is presently undergoing questioning at the state Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti.
The police said such acts of public indecency is against the criminal code and if after investigation those involved are found guilty, they would be charged to court.

Already, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency has suspended the advertising firm, Pro-Vision Media Systems Limited.


This day

FG Declares Monday, Tuesday Public Holidays For Eid-El-Kabir

AgegePulse Magazine




The Federal Government has declared Monday and Tuesday – August 12 and 13 – as public holidays to mark the 2019 Eid-Al-Kabir celebrations.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, Georgina Ehuriah, declared this in a statement on Tuesday on behalf of the government.

She made the declaration in a statement signed by Mohammed Manga, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the office.

Ehuriah congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion and called on all Nigerians, at home and in the diaspora, to use the period to embrace the virtues of love, humility, peace and sacrifice as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Mohammed.

She also urged Nigerians to shun any form of disruptive tendencies and join hands with the government to build a peaceful, strong and united Nigeria for the growth and development of the nation.

READ ALSO: Buhari Should Urgently Release All Political Prisoners – PDP

The permanent secretary reaffirmed the determination of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.

She added that security agencies under the Ministry have been directed to ensure the provision of adequate security, before, during and after the Eid-Al-Kabir celebrations.

Ehuriah also stated the government’s desire for all citizens to live a life of sacrifice, charity, and love for one another.

She wished Nigerians a happy, peaceful and fulfilling celebrations.


ChannelsTv

How EFCC Saved Kwara from Looters- Gov Abdulrasaq

AgegePulse Magazine

The Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq has hinted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in Ilorin, the state capital, has contributed immensely to secure the resources of the state from being looted by corrupt persons.

“The EFCC has been proactive, they started working before we came onboard, I thank the EFCC for helping us in Kwara State,” he said, promising that “the state government will work with the anti-graft Commission for the benefit of our people, and we should join hands together to make the state work again.”

Abdulrasaq was speaking at a Public Education/Citizen Enlightenment Program organised by the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, and the National Orientation Agency, NOA, in Ilorin, on August 6, 2019 with the theme, “Value Orientation and the fight Against Corruption”.

He said: “This state was already down when we came into power, no water in the hospitals, no electricity, and the system was totally in chaos, no chairs in our schools, the money was being diverted.

“Corruption had eaten deep in the government [but] we are working with the EFCC to ensure that all these abuses disappear from the system.

“It is very important to know that when we don't kill corruption, corruption will kill us as a nation.”

Earlier, the Head of Operations, EFCC Ilorin Zonal Office, Isyaku Sharu, called on stakeholders, especially the parents to assist government in fighting corruption and building a better society.

“As parents, you have a big role to play, you must educate your children about the dangers of corruption, and when your Child is mingling with bad people in the society, you must call them to order,” he said.

He further noted that one of the focal areas of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, was to fight corruption to a standstill, adding that, though the country is not in the place where it is supposed to be, “I can tell you that we are not in the place we were before, because this government is making progress when it comes to the issue of fighting corruption”.

He said: “Within few months of our operations in Kwara State, we have made significant achievements, and just last week, the EFCC secured final forfeiture of a N150,000, 000 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) property (Plaza) to the Federal Government. The property hitherto belonged to a civil servant

“The Commission (Ilorin Zonal Office) has also secured about 30 convictions, in less than one year of operations, with the majority of them being internet fraudsters.”

Imposition Of Fine By LASTMA Is Illegal- Court

AgegePulse Magazine

The appeal court held that imposition of penalties by the LASTMA ultra vires its power, especially where no platform was established to observe the principles of natural justice.

The court declared this while ruling on the appeal filed by LASTMA over judgment delivered by the Federal High Court on September 16, 2011, in the suit no FHC/L/CS/653/2011 wherein it was held that it breached the right of the respondent in the suit.
 
LASTMA had appealed the judgment delivered by Justice Okon Abang wherein the court declared that the unlawful assault and illegal arrest, seizure and continuous detention of applicant’s Pick-up van with registration number BE 736 KSF by the respondent on March 18, 2011 was a breach of the applicant’s fundamental right to human dignity as guaranteed by Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution.

The applicant, Mr. Jonathan Odutola had filed the suit against LASTMA over the alleged unlawful detention of his Pick up Van, and the court awarded N500.000 as damages against it (LASTMA ) and ordered issuance of public apology.

Delivering the lead judgment by Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur which was adopted by Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill and Justice Abimbola Osarugue Obaseki-Adejumo, the court held that “by the provisions of section 1 (1) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the constitution is supreme and its provisions are binding on all authorities and persons in Nigeria.

“Therefore, if any law is inconsistent with any provisions of the constitution, the constitution shall prevail and other law shall to the extent of that inconsistency be void.” The court cited Nosdra v.Exxonnmobil (2018) LPELR -44210 (CA), pp 5-9 para E-C.

Also, the court held that the imposition of a fine by the appellant, it (LASTMA) acted in a judicial capacity which they are not imbued with under the constitution.

“The appellant constituted itself into a court with judicial or quasi-judicial powers, when ìn fact the law that created it did not donate such jurisdiction to it.

By doing so, the appellant became a judge in its own cause, the complainant as well the judge, contrary to the maxim ‘nemo judex in causa sua’. The court will not allow any authority to act ultra vires its power under the constitution.

“There is, therefore, a lacuna in that law creating the appellant. In view of the fact that the main crux of the respondent’s grievance bothers on the imposition of fine/penalty on it, I hold that there is no merit in this appeal whatsoever. I find the appeal as lacking in merit as same is hereby dismissed,” the court held.

Lagos Reporters

BREAKING : Armed robbers raid Commercial bank, kill two persons

AgegePulse Magazine

Armed Robbers raided a commercial bank in Iju, Akure North local government area of Ondo state,on Tuesday.

The robbers killed a staff of the bank and a customer.

Police spokesman Femi Joseph has not confirmed the incident.

Eye witness told TVC news correspondent, Ayodeji Moradeyo that the robbers shot sporadically into the air to scare the people

Lagos Council Boss Fulfils Promise To Orphanage, Donates Salaries

AgegePulse Magazine

Th executive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi has fulfilled his promise to donate his salaries to orphanage as part of his birthday celebration rituals every year.


To recap, Egunjobi was sworn in as Agege Local Government chairman two years ago on July 25, 2017, coincidentally his birthday, which he marked at Babes Salam Home, an orphanage situated at Ikeja area of the state. The Council chief turned a year older last Thursday and made good his promise to donate his three-month salaries to the motherless babies’ home on the occasion, a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Rotimi Sulyman stated. It said, Egunjobi presented a cheque of N500,000 to the management of Babes Salam, which was received by the deputy head of the orphanage, Imam Muhammed Shaban, in the latter’s office.

 The statement reads in part: “Today, Alhaji Tahir Taoheed on behalf of the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, presented N500,000 personal cheque, a cumulation of his three-month salaries as the Council’s chairman to Babes Salam Home in fulfilment of his promise to the orphanage on his birthdays. “A ritual he started on assumption of office, the Council boss at the presentation of the cheque through Alhaji Tahir, called on individuals of means and corporate bodies to rally to the aid of the less privileged and work in tandem to reduce the country’s grinding poverty.”

In response, Imam Shaban on behalf of the orphanage management reportedly expressed gratitude to Egunjobi and supplicated to Allah to reward his kindness.

Do Proper Background Checks Before Employing Housemaid - DCP Disu

AgegePulse Magazine

Following the recent arrest and interrogation of  an Agent who specializes in using Housemaids to steal valuables from people, the RRS Commander, DCP Olatunji Disu has advised Lagosians and the general public to always do a proper background checks before hiring maids..

Frances Oputu

According to DCP Disu, the modus operandi of the suspect identified as Frances Oputu is to plant a maid in your house and later directs them to steal your valuables.

He was caught in action and investigation revealed that he has 15 other maids in various homes in Lagos.

Detectives have contacted their employers for necessary caution.

"Please be careful and carry out necccesary background checks before  employing house maids". Says Disu

C&S El-Bethel Shiloh Cathedral, Agege Sets To Dedicate New Church Building

...Members Benefitted Through Scholarship Programme, says Elder Bola Odubela

AgegePulse Magazine

The  Cherubim& Seraphim Church El-Bethel Shiloh Cathedral Sanctuary at 68, Ipaja Road, Oke-Koto, Agege, Lagos' s Set To unveil New Church Building  this Saturday.

Elder Apostle Bola Odubela JPil, Minister-In-Charge, Sacred Cherubim& Seraphim Church El-Bethel Shiloh Cathedral, Agege disclosed this in Lagos during a press conference to reel out the lined up activities of the church for the Year 2019 Youths And Children Harvest, tagged: "Harvest of God's Heritage.

Below is the full Address By Elder Apostle Bola Odubela JPil, Minister-In-Charge, Sacred Cherubim& Seraphim Church El-Bethel Shiloh Cathedral, Agege

Gentlemen of the press,
Let start by thanking you for responding positively to our invitation to this press conference, which is one of the activities lined up to celebrate the attainment of another milestone in our church’s history

In a few days’ time, precisely on Saturday, July 27, we shall be dedicating our third church building on this site. This, to us, is a significant achievement, considering were we are coming from.
The journey started in 1926, that is, just a year after cherubim and seraphim society of Nigeria (as it was then known), was founded by revered leader, Baba Aladurah Moses Orimolade Tunolase.

The first port of call him when he arrived Lagos from earlier evangelical crusades in the northern part of Nigeria was Lagos island where, fortuitously he met a young lady whom he had been invited to heal of an unusual illness.
After her healing, Miss Abiodun Akinsowon (later captain Abiodun Emmanuel After marriage),. Who was highly spiritual, agreed to partner Baba Aladura Orimolade to move the society forward.

Then began the spread of the society outside Lagos Island; and one of it’s first places to berth was Agege in 1926
Being a relatively new religious organization, it is understandable why it was not readily accepted by indigenes, who were legally adherents of the African Traditional Religion, with it’s various rituals and another heathen practices.

However, woman defied the challenges by the going around the neighborhood to preach, with the view to winning membership for the new religious movement. Then on Sunday, she would conduct a church service in her home, in a area called atobaje in Agege.

Gradually, as Mrs .Rachael Hamilton (alias Mama Ibadan) intensified he evangelism, with her children in tow, the church began to grow, was GOD led other people to partner with her on this onerous task.

As time went on, it became apparent that Mama Ibadan’s home could no longer contain worship person; and so, the search for bigger location began. By Divine leading, the present site was acquired and the first church was built and dedicated in 1941, It was the built of mud and thatched roofing materials.
Less than two decades after, the need for a bigger and more modern church had become necessary, following the continuous growth in population. Thus began the building of the second church, which was dedicated in 1979.

In between the time of building the second church, we embarked on many others development projects, Thus today, in other locations within Agege area, we have a Nursery and Primary, Maryland, Cemetery and event centre. We also established a second Shiloh church at alakuko. All these are functional today.
With all these development came more recognition for the church, and this won it the status of sacred cherubim & seraphim Lagos headquarters and also produces the third General Superintendent (Baba Alakoso) of the sacred Cherubim & Seraphim of Nigeria & Overseas Venerable James Akinwunmi Philips (1958-1961).
Again, there arose the need to expand the church to meet up with the space demands for its teeming population and also complement its exalted status as Lagos state headquarter of the conference.

Today, to the glory of God, we have every cause to rejoice over this milestone. As we plan to dedicate the third church.
Permit me to say, Gentlemen that this occasion, the dedication of our new church, is actually intended to pay tribute to our founding fathers the- men and women who worked selflessly to bring us to where we are today. They defied all odds to ensure that Cherubim and Seraphim Church came to stay in Agege.

It is also an occasion to appreciate the labour of our heroes and heroines, past and present who sacrificed their labour and material endowment at every stage of the church’s development. They are too numerous to mention here. To all these people, the Nehemiah’s and Zerubbabels of our age, I say a big ‘Thank You’ and pray that God who rewards generous givers will reward them for their labour of love. It is my prayer that the souls of the faithful departed ones would rest in peace.
Gentlemen of the press, an occasion like this provides an opportunity for me to comment on contemporary national issues as they concern us all. These are the issues of insecurity, unemployment and corruption, among others.

We view with utmost concern the growing spate of insecurity across the nation, which is posing a dangerous threat to the country’s unity.
As a church organization, we believe very much in the efficacy of prayer, and affirm that our God is still in the business of listening to the genuine cries of His people for help if they repent of their sins and look up to Him (2 Chronicles 7:14).

The body of Christ should unite in prayer while also calling on Federal Government to declare a ‘National Day Prayer’ where all Nigerians, irrespective of your religious beliefs, should pray for forgiveness.

We do not want war again in Nigeria. Memories of Biafran war, which ended about 50 years ago, are still fresh on the minds of those who were directly affected. And we can assert this if we recognize that we cannot overcome the country’s multifarious challenge in our own strength but through the intervention of God Almighty.

Let me also say that our political leaders have a major role to play in foresting unity among the component units of this country by tempering their utterances, and conduct, an exhibiting the highest  level of patriotism and altruism at all times. To whom much is given, much is expected. They should therefore avoid anything that could jeopardize national unity.

Unemployment, no doubt, is one ills fueling the insecurity in the country. ‘The devil finds job for an idle hand.’ Therefore, the federal Government should explore all avenues to provide employment for our teeming population, especially youths. It must also enhance basic social infrastructure-electricity, portable water, good roads and well-kept drainages to reduce rural-urban migration.

Then, of course, the hydra-headed monster called corruption, which has eaten deep into the nation’s fabric, and has continued to stall her development. Concerted efforts must be made at all governmental and non-government levels to fight corruption to its minimal level.

Lastly, I want to urge Lagosians to co-operate with the State Government by obeying environmental and traffic laws to make the state habitable and pleasurable for all of us. We should also support the State Government by paying our taxes as at when due to enable the government provide adequately for its developmental projects.

Gentlemen of the press, we are responsible organization and will continue to do everything within our ability to support the government and our people in every way possible, I have since my inauguration four years ago, instituted scholarship programmes, by way of bursary awards, for the young members of our church who are in tertiary institutions. However, those of them who are not academically inclined are exposed to skill acquisition programmes.

Once again, I thank you for coming and look forward to seeing you again when we shall dedicate this beautiful worship sanctuary on Saturday, God willing.


Elder Apostle Bola Odubela, Jpil
Minister-in-Charge/Chairman Lagos Join District Council       
Present at the press conference were:

ElderApostle Bola Odubella

Sec Gen Rev Apostle Mother (Olawunmi Gbadamosi Idowu)

Asst Chairman Church committee
Senior Sup Apostle (Paul Olabisi)

Supo Apostle Taiwo (Chairman Delegation Committee)

Sup Apostle (C.O Fariloye)
   

See the Python that sacks Lawmakers out of Ondo Assembly

AgegePulse Magazine

Lawmakers fled in different directions as they shouted on top of their voices. The snake, which dropped from the roof of the building, caused apprehension among the members as they all scampered for safety. The development brought the proceedings of the House to an end abruptly.



Meanwhile, reports have it that legislative activities have been suspended until the complex is renovated.



A source said the speaker, David Oleyelogun, directed that the lawmakers should go on recess till the renovation of the Assembly is completed

TheNationOnline

WAEC releases May/June WASSCE results, withholds 180, 205

AgegePulse Magazine

A total of 1,020,519 candidates who sat for the 2019 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for schools obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects including English Language and Mathematics.

 Mr Olu Adenipekun, Head of National Office (HNO), West African Examinations Council (WAEC), gave the figure while announcing the release of the results at a news conference on Friday in Lagos

He said that there was an improvement in candidates’ performances in 2019 when compared to that of 2018 in the same examination.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 1,596161 candidates registered for the examination from 18,639 recognised secondary schools in Nigeria. The HNO said that, of the number of candidates who registered for the examination, 1,590,173 sat for the examination which was also administered to some candidates from some schools in Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire and Equatirial Guinea, where Nigerian curriculum for the Senior Secondary School was used.

Daily Trust

FG Releases New Salary Table

AgegePulse Magazine


Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the implementation of the newly approved minimum wage  of N30,000 to all federal government workers who earn below the amount.  But the announcement, rather than elicit joy, dampened the spirit of workers across the country as it fell short of their expectations.

The President’s order was disclosed by the Executive Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission [NSIWC] Dr. Richard Onwuka Egbule at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday. He said based on the president’s approval, implementation takes effect from April 18, 2019. Egbule said civil servants affected are only those who earn less than N30,000 monthly and no federal government staffer will earn less than N30,000 per month.

He also said salary structures affected include consolidated public service salary structure (CONPSS); consolidated health salary structure (CONHESS); consolidated research and allied institutions salary structure (CONRAISS); consolidated tertiary institutions salary structure (CONTISS II) and consolidated tertiary educational institutions salary structure, CONTEDNESS.

Egbule said “the negotiations between the Federal Government and the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council on the consequential adjustments arising from the new national minimum wage for officers who earned salaries above N30,000 per month before 18th April, 2019 in the federal civil service will continue.” The  outcome of such negotiations, he said, will be implemented with effect from the date an agreement is reached. He also said arrears arising from implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage will be worked out by all concerned agencies in partnership with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

This came after another meeting between Federal Government representatives and those of Labour ended in a deadlock. Soon after the signing of the new minimum wage into law, a joint committee was set up to work on the consequential adjustment. Till  date they are yet to reach an agreement. At their last meeting, Labour proposed 30 per cent salary increase for officers on levels 7 to 14 but the government team proposed nine and a half per cent salary increase for them. Also, while labour proposed 25 per cent increase for officers on grade levels 15 to 17, the federal government offered five per cent. A stalemate therefore ensued.

The Trade Union Congress [TUC] has threatened to embark on strike over the issue. It said government appears not to be committed to implementing the new minimum wage “going by the way its representatives in the committee set up to negotiate the adjustment arising from the new minimum wage was handling the negotiations.” TUC’s President Comrade Quadri Olaleye said the entire process lacked transparency. He said organised labour was considerate enough by lowering its initial demand of increasing salaries of GL 07 to GL 17 officers by 66.66% per cent, ‘‘yet government is only offering 9.5 per cent for levels 07-14 officers and 5 per cent for GL 15-17”. Olaleye also said the consequential adjustment is supposed to be negotiated openly in the spirit of collective bargaining. He said, “As it stands now, we may be forced to go to the trenches.”

The president’s directive to commence payment for only some workers was an anti-climax and it left many workers  disappointed.  While his order may have fulfilled the letter of the law, it definitely violated the spirit of the minimum wage law. This issue has dragged on for far too long, from the period when Labour began agitating for a review to the signing of the bill by the president.

Instead of five years after which a salary review should be done, the last time there was an increment in salaries was in 2011. There is really no reason why, three months after signing the bill, it is yet to be implemented. Officers earning above N30,000 also deserve quick implementation because they were also affected by inflation and depreciation of the Naira.

Both parties should return to the negotiation table and we should have a comprehensive salary table for all grades of workers very soon.

Daily Trust

BREAKING: Akpabio, Keyamo, Akume, Aregbesola make Buhari’ ministerial list

Sunday Aborisade

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent the ministerial list to Senate.

Some of the names on the list include Godswill Akpabio, George Akume, Festus Keyamo, Niyi Adebayo, Gbemisola Saraki, Olutayo Alasoadura, Rauf Aregbesola, Adeleke Mamora, Rotimi Amaechi.

Detail later.

Police Arrests 78 Suspected Cultist, Robbers In Lagos

AgegePulse Magazine

Personnel of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 38 suspected cult members for attacking unsuspecting members of the public and damaging vehicles during a supremacy fight in the Ikorodu area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, in a statement on Sunday, said policemen mobilised to the scene of the attack and arrested the suspects and restored normalcy in the area.

Elkana said, “On Tuesday, July 16, 2019, around 9.30am, youths from Idiroko, Adeola and Ajose in the Owutu area of Ikorodu, engaged themselves in a supremacy fight at the Idiroko area, Owutu, Ikorodu. In the process, the youth attacked passers-by and damaged some vehicles in the area.

“However, combined teams of policemen mobilised to the scene successfully brought the situation under control and restored normalcy in the area. Thirty-eight suspects were arrested and taken to the office of the task force in Oshodi for prosecution. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the area to forestall a further threat to law and order.”

The following day, the personnel of the Operation Crush, while acting on a credible intelligence, arrested 34 suspected members of the Awawa Boys for allegedly terrorising the Agege area of the state.

Elkana said the suspects were arrested during a raid on their hideouts, adding that seven bags of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered during the operation.

“On Wednesday, July 17, 2019, around 8.30am, acting on credible intelligence, men of the Operation Crush raided some criminal hideouts in the Akerele area, Agege. Thirty-four suspects known as Awawa Boys, who had been terrorising the area were arrested, while seven bags of weed suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from them. Meanwhile, the suspects have been handed over to the task force in Oshodi for prosecution,” he stated.

In a related development, a suspected leader of the Aiye Confraternity, Azeez Olawale, has been arrested by men of the state police command for allegedly staging an attack that disturbed the peace of the Bariga area.

While investigation is ongoing to arrest other members of the group, the PPRO said Olawale would be charged to court.

“On Saturday, July 20, 2019, around 9.45pm, men of the Bariga Police Station arrested one Azeez Olawale, 32, at Egbenrode Street. The suspect was identified as the leader of the Aiye Confraternity, whose members had earlier in the day attempted to cause a breach of the peace in Bariga. Investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court,” Elkana added.

Meanwhile, five suspected armed robbers have been arrested for disturbing the peace at Ilasan in the Lekki area of the state.

The PPRO, who said one locally-made pistol with 10 unexpended cartridges was recovered from the suspects, added that they would be charged to court soon.

Elkana said, “On Friday, July 19, 2019, around 1.30pm, the Ilasan Police Station received credible intelligence that a group of hoodlums, suspected to be armed robbers/cultists, were sighted behind the Angle 90 Bar, Ilasan, Lekki.  A team of policemen was quickly mobilised to the scene. The leader of the gang, Ibrahim Abu, 32, and four others, Samuel Usai, John Nwaru, Emmanuel Moro and Michael Daniel, were arrested.

“Upon searching the suspects, one locally-made pistol with 10 unexpended cartridges was recovered from them. Investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court.”


Punch

Work To Resume On Pen Cinema Bridge, Says Sanwo-Olu

…Lagos Governor, Deputy Inspect Road Repair Exercise In Iju-Agege Areas

AgegePulse Magazine

There will soon be respite for motorists plying Agege-Pen Cinema axis in Lagos, as State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assures accelerated completion of the abandoned Pen-Cinema Bridge.

The Governor spoke on Sunday while inspecting ongoing rehabilitation work on major roads in Iju area of the state by Lagos State Public Works Corporation.

Sanwo-Olu, in company of his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the contractor handling the bridge construction was being prepared for re-mobilisation back on the site.

Expressing concern over the pains residents go through due to regular gridlock on the alternative routes occasioned by abandoned project, Sanwo-Olu said his government would compensate for the discomfort by ensuring timely completion of the bridge.

He said: “I can assure you that we are currently in talks with the contractors handling key road projects in Ikorodu, which are Igbogbo and Ishawo roads, and also a critical project in Agege area, which is the Pen-Cinema Bridge.

Our promise is that, if it is not by end of this month; then, by next month, the contractors will be fully mobilised back on sites to complete the work.

“We are particularly concerned about the pain motorists are going through because of the incomplete construction of Pen-Cinema Bridge. We are hoping that the contractor handling the bridge construction, too, will be mobilised back on site. Once we push these three critical infrastructures and get them completed, relief would come to residents in these areas.”

The Governor said the ongoing road repair across the state was an outcome of his Executive Order, which declared emergency rehabilitation of critical roads.

Sanwo-Olu said the repair was being carried out in six segments, pointing out that the highways and arterial carriages were captured in the first set of repair across the state.

He said repair work would begin on roads captured in other segments in succession. The Governor urged commuters to be patient while the repair is being carried out.

He expressed satisfaction on the level of work done, while assuring that the road rehabilitation would be ongoing to until 100 major roads marked for repair in all Local Government Areas across the state get done.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration would continue to be responsive to the challenges confronting the people, assuring the actions of his government would focus on bringing relief to taxpayers.

“We have risen up to the expectations of Lagosians and we believe there is still a lot more to do. It is a work in progress. But we can feel the immediate relief that are coming to residents of all the areas where the rehabilitation work is being done currently,” the Governor said.

Also joining the Governor during the inspection is the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and General Manager of Lagos State Public Works Corporation, Engr. Daramola Olufemi.